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Top Reasons to Attend | Annual Convention

  • October 25-27, 2026
  • Salt Palace Convention Center
  • Salt Lake City, UT
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The regulatory hits keep coming. Turn complexity into action in three days.

Modernization doesn’t wait for bank leaders. With technology and regulation changing faster than strategy cycles, you need insights you can trust. ABA’s connections with the nationally recognized voices of banking and our own bench of subject matter experts are waiting to help you navigate the industry's new reality and take your bank to new heights.

Here’s why over 1,200 banking professionals will gather in Salt Lake City for Annual Convention 2026:
bankers in session

35 sessions designed for forward-thinkers

From AI and tokenization to faster payments and evolving fraud considerations, build the strategy that will future-proof your bank.
bankers networking

Access to a think tank of your peers

Benchmark with CEOs, C-suite executives and senior bank leaders from banks of all sizes to test real-life strategy against reality.
exhibitor talking to a banker

Tailored solutions from 100+ trusted partners

Tap into ABA’s Partner Network to scale innovation, boost profitability, master customer experience, digital transformation and more at our brand-new Hub experience.

Bring your team to kickstart your strategy

Create alignment between the C-suite and emerging leaders to find the best possible solutions and be ready for fast adoption.

Let’s break it down

Annual Convention’s programming is banker-led. That’s why this year, we’re offering new programming that tackles pressing issues facing growth: our Workforce Excellence Forum, and our Meet the Experts Lounge and Solutions Stage in The Hub.

Don’t leave your bank’s growth up to chance. Learn what it takes to navigate the new reality of regulation and strategy — and profit. Tap into ABA’s connections to banking’s nationally recognized voices (2025’s program included Nasdaq CEO Adena T. Friedman and CEO of First Citizens Bank Frank Holding, Jr.). Then, get motivated with leadership journeys from such inspiring speakers as Olympians Mike Eruzione and Elana Meyers Taylor.

At our pre-conference Innovation Forum, explore how AI is transforming community banks — from early pilots to measurable performance — through practical use cases, risk insights, expert discussion and real-world strategies for scalable adoption. This program is included with your registration — be sure to select it when you register.

Take your pick of 20 concurrent Knowledge Sessions to find relevant solutions for your bank. Learn to tackle innovation with proper risk management, boost profitability and growth and execute better customer experience for loyal clients. Send your team to different sessions to maximize your ROI.

The Emerging Leaders Program at Annual Convention provides development opportunities that help rising professionals prioritize growth and strategic career transformation while finding ways to serve their bank’s mission at a higher level. Rising leaders can build their peer network, discuss key executive insights and more.

The Hub is transforming into something big — an experience that breaks the mold of a traditional exhibit hall. New in 2026, The Hub will serve as a curated, interactive and intentional extension of what you’ll learn during Annual Convention’s knowledge sessions. Meet with 100+ trusted industry providers — including the ABA Partner Network — ready to tailor solutions to your bank’s goals and fine tune your strategy.

Strengthen your network and turn session insights into actionable solutions with real-life input. Leaders from banks of all sizes attend Annual Convention, giving you access to a range of perspectives you won’t find elsewhere.

Did we mention you should bring your team?

Bring your C-suite and emerging leaders to ensure you maximize your investment onsite — and speed up the process of adopting new strategies back at your bank. Contact us to bring your team and save.

What do other bank leaders think?

"Bravo to the ABA team. All of the details of the conference were executed with precision and expertise. Such a wonderful conference full of worthwhile information and networking opportunities galore."

"It is our job as CEOs to think strategically and navigate the path to the future. You can’t do that by sitting in your bank. You need to be open to new ideas and concepts and you get that at the ABA Annual Convention."

"The Annual Convention is the place to gain high-level insights into where the banking industry is going, and how banks like yours and mine can meet emerging challenges and compete effectively."

"What I enjoyed most about Annual Convention was connecting with bankers from all over the country. There was an exciting energy among all of the attendees as everyone was eager to participate in the sessions, ask questions and continue the conversation."

Check out the full attendee profile.

Sharpen your competitive edge in only three days.

Take your bank to new heights. Join us in Salt Lake City.

JUSTIFICATION Kit    Register NOW

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Get updates on ABA Annual Convention as we develop this year's program. Contact Traci Leiva if you have any questions.

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